New COVID virus strain spikes in US: Sore throat to brain fog, know all symptoms

While the pandemic might be in the rear-view mirror right now, COVID-19 continues to evolve and affect many to date. Currently, a new strain of the virus is spiking cases worldwide.

The XFG variant, also known as Stratus, has been spreading far and wide after first being detected in Southeast Asia in January, according to the World Health Organization.

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After it spread to 38 countries by June, the organization designated Stratus as a "SATS-CoV-2 variant under monitoring"

Now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, coronavirus cases have been increasing in nine U.S. states namely, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Vermont, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and both North and South Dakota.

Based on data from the week of September 15th, the CDC's wastewater monitoring in the U.S. has identified XFG as the "predominant variant"

However, Stratus isn't the first strain of the virus. It actually follows Nimbus, a highly infectious strain linked to severe "razor blade" sore throat symptoms, as per Stony Brook Medicine, the academic medical center of Stony Brook University in New York. Stratus has mutated in a way that allows it to evade the immune system and attack it better than Nimbus can, reported the WHO.

Thus for the unvaccinated and previously uninfected, the strain might be harder to fight off, as reported by Stony Brook Medicine.

What are the symptoms of Stratus?

Stratus has most of the normal symptoms of COVID-19, although most cases are mild for vaccinated individuals. These can be fatigue, fever and a persistent, dry cough.

Other symptoms of the variant can be shortness of breath, chest tightness, sore or scratchy throat, headaches and body aches, upset stomach, nausea, brain fog and loss of taste or smell.

In case these symptoms arise, experts recommend seeking medical help for diagnosis and treatment, including antiviral medications, at-home remedies or over-the-counter drugs. If a high fever over 103 degrees lasts more than three days or if symptoms get worse after improving, visit a doctor. It is important to not dismiss these signs.

In order to prevent catching the strain, wearing a mask in crowded or indoor spaces is advised along with opening a window or using an air filter, washing hands often, avoiding close contact with others and checking local COVID numbers before travelling.